by our College Data Analytics Team
[Art Studies](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/art-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong art studies education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value art studies schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in art studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is University Of The District Of Columbia, our #1 best value for art studies in District of Columbia. Located in the city of Washington, University Of The District Of Columbia is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,662, compared with $12,514 for out-of-state students. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $32,304 in student loans. Early-career art studies graduates make about $57,060. That is a strong return on a $32,304 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes George Washington University one of the best values for art studies. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $22,910. Early-career art studies graduates make about $73,749. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in art studies will find it at Georgetown University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,089. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $16,483 in student loans. Early-career art studies graduates make about $79,632. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 13%.
Howard University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Howard University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,810. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $25,498. Art Studies graduates of Howard University earn a median of $58,495 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Howard University admits about 41% of applicants.
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This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.